The Circuit
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Following on from the award winning first series, The Circuit returns as a final six part event mini-series for SBS Television.
The Circuit is set in the Kimberley region of North Western Australia. It is a place of two seasons; the wet and the dry. Known for its beauty and hardship, it is a place where people try to integrate and get along, with varying degrees of success. The Kimberley region is a land rich in history for its traditional owners, but now sits within the confines of white ownership and white law. This is the home of The Circuit, the Magistrate’s Court that visits far-flung communities several days a month, bringing conveyor-belt justice dealt swiftly and fairly – although that’s not always the case. Working between two worlds and juggling white law with traditional lore, means that justice is sometimes a slippery beast. Throughout the series, a variety of cases come before the Circuit, some tragic, some amusing, yet all shed light on the very different world that is the far north of Western Australia. The audience takes this journey with The Circuit’s central characters; Drew, the Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS) lawyer still searching for his “Aboriginality”; Sam, the bush-wise ALS court officer who has the weight of an entire community on his shoulders as he tries to make up for neglecting his own family; and Peter, the Magistrate, who prides himself on his ability to do the best by all people who stand before him, but is now making enemies on both sides of the race divide. The Circuit’s strong group of supporting characters are back: the fiery Bella, Clerk of Courts; hippie dropout, Polish expat and Legal Aid Lawyer, Ellie Zdybicka; and journalist, Archie McMahon. In the second series, they are joined by the hard-line replacement Magistrate, Terri Oliver; and Drew’s recently discovered uncle/father, Mick Mathers. Throughout the series the rich and complicated characters of The Circuit travel thousands of kilometres every week to find heartbreak, laughter and a world that is unknown to most of Australia and the world.
Drew Ellis - ALS Lawyer Drew Ellis (Aaron Pedersen) – a well-educated, city raised blackfella in his early thirties, has taken a sabbatical from his beautiful wife and comfortable legal career to go bush.Carrying the professional arrogance that middle class advantage buys, Drew ventures from the cloistered legal circles of the city of Perth to do a stint in the outback – a worthy addition to the CV of a lawyer seeking higher office. Drew is charming, confident, capable, and now completely out of his depth. He finds himself in the chaotic and challenging world of the Kimberley Circuit Court that takes a magistrate and an entourage of court officers and lawyers on a regular, five-day 2000 kilometre round-trip to dispense justice to the hot, dusty and remote communities of North Western Australia. This is no easy trip, and the expectations on Drew are high, for despite his white upbringing and fine white wife, Drew Ellis is black. It’s a steep learning curve for Drew. Yet to earn the trust of either the black or white communities, he quickly comes to realise that one law for two cultures does not always equal a fair go. Peter Lockhart (Gary Sweet) – the Magistrate. Equally at home with the Broome aristocracy, or under the hood of his 4WD, Peter has embraced the finer things of life in Australia’s top end. A man of high morals, and strong opinions, Peter’s passionate about the equality of man but, as Sam would tell you, he lacked the ability to get “down in the dirt”. Unable to make anyone happy – himself, his family, or those who work with him – Peter is coming to crisis point. Can a good man make a difference if he can’t face himself? Sam Wallan – ALS Court Liaison OfficerSam Wallan (Kelton Pell) – ALS Court Liaison Officer. Unlike many of his peers, Sam has survived the cycle of hard living and self-destruction endemic in young Aboriginal men. Now in his late-thirties, Sam has tempered his partying, but he’s still an angry man. Both strident and articulate, he now carries weight and respect around the communities, as he works in the courts for his people. But Sam is haunted by ghosts from his past, and burdened by his more immediate role of saving his estranged sixteen-year-old son from repeating the sins of his father. He must expose the demons that have been driving him for so many years, in order to have a shot at getting a full life back - one that includes his son and ex-wife.
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Episode 1 – It’s a Long Way HomeCity lawyer Drew Ellis finds himself a long way from home as he begins his new job with the Aboriginal Legal Service in the remote Kimberley region of north Western Australia. He joins a ‘family’ of court officers as they travel the 2000 kilometre circuit to dispense ‘justice’ in a harsh and vast environment a long way from home. Episode 2 – In CountryA flurry of racist leaflets and a lack of faith in him by the people he is trying to help put Drew in bad temper. Sam and Drew seem determined to remain on different sides of the fence. Necessity places them in a position where they find out more about each other as a courtroom decision has tragic consequences. Episode 3 – Deeper WaterThe race to save a young girl from abuse is on, but the law, and the predator’s ties with the community and court, make the task seemingly impossible. Bella takes the law into her own hands and Archie and Clarry find themselves on different sides of the fence, leading to violence. Episode 4 – Stairway to the MoonIt’s festival time in Broome, and what begins as a relaxing weekend quickly spirals out of control. Drew receives an ultimatum, Peter gets more than he bargained for, and there’s tragedy for two of our people when one lands in hospital and the other in prison. Episode 5 – You Always Hurt the Ones You LoveIn the aftermath of the festival, Archie and Clarry face court and potential prison-time. Sam makes a tragic discovery about his son as Drew makes a regretful decision about seeing his family. Episode 6 – Home Is Where the Past IsDrew’s replacement has arrived with the wet season. Clarry struggles with prison, as a predator returns to the Mission bringing trouble with him. Sam’s son forces him to make a surprise decision, and Drew is left to make a life changing choice.
Episode 7 – Sorry BusinessFacing new cases, new dilemmas, Aboriginal lawyer Drew Ellis’ sweaty, dusty journey on the traveling court is interrupted by tragic news. The circuit team is devastated, particularly Bella, who seeks solace in Drew’s arms. Episode 8 – Reading the SignsSam is back from looking after his son, and Drew and Bella’s relationship continues in secret, but Magistrate Peter Lockhart’s decisions at The Junction push the community to the edge of anarchy. Episode 9 – The FalloutThe inquest into Clarry’s death is as tough as everyone feared, but first Peter has to deal with the fall-out from The Junction riot, while Drew’s argument with Mick over his son’s future draws unexpected hostility from Bella. Episode 10 – The Devil You KnowNew magistrate Terri Oliver’s tough love approach is making life hard for the ALS team. While Peter continues to battle an inquiry into his professional conduct, Archie inadvertently resurrects a ghost from Sam’s past. Episode 11 – Of Mice and MenNow back in the chair, Magistrate Peter Lockhart’s standing is under threat when he is discovered helping disgraced elder Harry Pope, and a confrontation with Mick results in a surprising invitation for Drew.
Episode 12 – Swings and RoundaboutsDrew’s journey “home” is complete as he walks the land of his ancestors with Mick and the elders. Sam and Louise’s wedding doesn’t go off without a hitch, but Peter finally has a win at Jalwarra.
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The Circuit - Series 1 - Reviews“This is one of the best Australian dramas this year and should not be missed.” Sophie Elsworth, Adelaide Advertiser “I’d be surprised if this wonderful new local series doesn’t pick up a bunch of awards… You’ll never see a better courtroom drama.” David Kettle, TV Week Show of the WeekPedersen (is) in top form … while Sweet is wonderfully cast … Highly recommended.” Jacqui Taffel, Sydney Morning Herald “Great show … one of the best new dramas of the year … Superb performances throughout, especially Sweet as the hardened but pragmatic magistrate, make this a thoroughly absorbing show ... The Circuit is tough tight Aussie drama at its best.” Stephen Downie, Daily Telegraph Don’t Miss“… a stunning Aussie six-part drama … Excellent.” Robert Fidgeon, Herald Sun “… the core cast do a terrific job, particularly (Aaron) Pedersen, Kelton Pell … (and) Nick Simpson-Deeks … Most importantly, its thoughtfully written.” Melinda Houston, The Sunday Age Critic’s Choice“The locations are stunning, David Bridie’s musical score more so ...” RB, The Sun Herald “Pedersen is passionate and forthright in a role that is obviously close to his heart.” “In a role that restrains the normally abrasive Sweet, his performance is measured and understated.” “… The Circuit is handsomely shot. The cinematography by Joe Pickering captures the wide, open skies, the red earth and the unforgiving landscape.” “Director Catriona McKenzie establishes an energetic, frenetically-edited opening from directorial styles she studied under US director Kevin Hooks (Prison break, 24, Alias, Cold Case).” “There are poetic moments in The Circuit that wouldn’t be mirrored by most small screen dramas. David Knox, ScreenHub “… The Circuit never resorts to crude polemic… (it) is made with a kind of devoted tough love that bluntly avoids mawkishness.” “… legal theatre, highlighted here by Catriona McKenzie’s visceral direction and piercing sense of place.” “… Joe Pickering’s camerawork energises … scenes, moving in among the characters … (going) subjectively to the heart of the drama … (with) a kind of omnipresent hovering presence, which is sometimes compassionate but often foreboding.” “Though (Aaron Pedersen has) a gallery of intelligent and confronting performances, (the role of) Ellis is his most enduring.” “Sweet is as good as he has been.” “Kelton Pell is charismatic … strident, articulate and genuinely menacing.” “In polished TV debut, Tammy Clarkson is touching …” “Marta Kaczmarek is impressive …” Graeme Blundell, The Weekend Australian “there’s plenty to intrigue, inform, move – and, importantly – entertain … The Circuit’s become one of the most honest and compelling accounts of contemporary Aboriginal life made anywhere, by anyone.” Sunday Age “A series that works on every level, The Circuit is worth waiting up for … You’d be hard–pressed to find a more pertinent and better crafted piece of television drama than this locally made mini-series that boldly deals with social, legal and cultural issues in the Kimberley.” The West Australian “Great show…one of the best new dramas of the year … David Bridie’s beautiful score is just one of the many highlights of this outstanding Australian series.” Daily Telegraph Best Local Drama of 2007“… we were impressed this year by the efforts of local networks to tell Australian stories, most notably the diversity of ideas … it was The Circuit, however, that earned unanimous praise and without a single caveat.” Michael Idato, Sydney Morning Herald Best TV shows of the year“Best drama: The Circuit on SBS. Contemporary and very Australian.” Glenn Dyer, crikey.com |
| AWARDS 2009 WRITERS GUILD OF AUSTRALIA AWGIE Winner - Best Television Mini Series Original - The Circuit – Series 2 2008 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN PREMIER’S BOOK AWARDS Finalist - Best Script, Kelly Lefever - The Circuit TV WEEK LOGIE AWARDS, Australia Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding New Talent - Tammy Clarkson - The Circuit THE HUGO TELEVISION AWARDS, Chicago International Film Festival Silver Hugo, Mini Series - The Circuit WA SCREEN AWARDS, Australia Outstanding Achievement for Series Production - The Circuit Outstanding Achievement for Drama Production - The Circuit Outstanding Achievement for Screenwriting, Dot West and Mitch Torres - The Circuit 2007 WRITERS GUILD OF AUSTRALIA AWGIE Finalist – Best Television Mini Series Original for The Circuit DEADLY AWARDS, Australia Outstanding Achievement in Film, Television or Theatre Richard Frankland, Director - The Circuit Best Male Actor of the Year Aaron Pedersen -The Circuit HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS, Australia Television Award - The Circuit AFI AWARDS, Australia Nominated for Best Telefeature or Mini Series, The Circuit – Ross Hutchens and Colin South Nominated for Best Direction in Television, Richard Frankland - The Circuit Nominated for Best Screenplay in Television, Kelly Lefever -The Circuit Nominated for Best Lead Actress in Television Drama, Tammy Clarkson, The Circuit Award for Best Guest or Supporting Actor in Television Drama, David Ngoombujarra - The Circuit |
THE CIRCUIT
Created by ROSS HUTCHENS & KELLY LEFEVER
| Drew Ellis | AARON PEDERSEN |
| Magistrate Peter Lockhart | GARY SWEET |
| Sam Wallan | KELTON PELL |
| Bella Noble | TAMMY CLARKSON |
| Ellie Zdybicka | MARTA KACZMAREK |
| Archie McMahon | NICK SIMPSON-DEEKS |
| Clarence Long | LEROY PARSONS |
| Sgt Bob Temple | BILL MCCLUSKEY |
| Producers | ROSS HUTCHENS |
| COLIN SOUTH | |
| Script Producer | KELLY LEFEVER |
| Co-producers | DOT WEST |
| YVONNE COLLINS | |
| Writers | KELLY LEFEVER (Eps 1, 6, 7, 10 & 12) |
| DOT WEST (Ep 2 & 8) | |
| MITCH TORRES (Ep 3 & 9) | |
| BECK COLE (Ep 4) | |
| KELLY LEFEVER with | |
| KOOTJI RAYMOND & | |
| JANE HARRISON (Ep 5) | |
| WAYNE BLAIR (Ep 11) | |
| Directors | CATRIONA MCKENZIE (Eps 1, 3 & 5) |
| RICHARD FRANKLAND (Eps 2 & 6) | |
| STEVE JODRELL (Eps 4, 7, 8, 9) | |
| JAMES BOGLE (Eps 10 & 11) | |
| AARON PEDERSEN (Ep 12) | |
| Director of Photography | JOSEPH PICKERING |
| Director of Photography | DANNY BATTERHAM |
| Designer | SAM HOBBS |
| Original Music Score | DAVID BRIDIE |
| Editors | SIMON MARTIN (Eps 1, 3, 5, 10 & 11) |
| MEREDITH WATSON-JEFFREY (Eps 2, 4, 6, 7 & 8) | |
| PETER PRITCHARD (Eps 9 & 12) | |
| Casting | ANNIE MURTAGH-MONKS |
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